What is the importance of Uttara Dwara Darshanam on Vaikunta Ekadashi (Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam)?
The story associated with Uttara Dwara Darshanam on Vaikunta Ekadashi
On Vaikunta Ekadasi in all Vaishnava temples, devotees visit the Lord from Uttara dwara (Northern entrance of the temple is opened only on Vaikunta Ekadasi). It is also mentioned as ‘Swargadwara Ekadasi’. The origin of this name explained with a legend in Puranas.
To catch the demon Madhu & Kaitaba (who had stolen the Vedas) and to protect the Vedas, Lord Vishnu left the Vaikunta through Uttara Dwara (Northern entrance) and came in from the same entrance after killing the demons and protecting the Vedas. All the Swarga dwaras (entrances of Vaikunta) were opened for Vishnu at the time when he was returned to his abode. This is the only day when all the entrances of Vaikunta remain opened. The story is all about why Vaikunta Ekadasi is also known as Swarga Vathil Ekadasi.
The story explains that how meritorious is visiting Lord Vishnu from North entrance on Vaikunta Ekadasi. The temporary north entrance is made for Vaikunta Ekadasi festivities in some temples which do not have northern entrance.